Welcome to Athens—one of the great cultural and intellectual centers of the ancient world. As we walk these ancient streets, we’re not just exploring impressive ruins—we’re tracing the steps of the Apostle Paul himself. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Paul stood here among statues of gods and schools of philosophers, proclaiming the “unknown God” to ancient Athenians desirous for the truth.
In Acts 17, we read that Paul arrived in Athens, was stirred by the city’s idols, and engaged daily in the Agora with both Jews and Gentiles. He was eventually brought to the Areopagus—right near the base of the Acropolis—where he delivered one of the most famous addresses in the New Testament. As we walk through these archaic spaces, we’ll consider both the grandeur of ancient Greece and the boldness of early Christian witness that challenged the ideas which shaped history—not with force, but with faith in the risen Christ.
Hi, I’m Dr. David E. Bosworth, your host for this excursion. I am a Professor of New Testament Studies and Mission at Colorado Christian University and an Educational Travel Consultant with Greek Bible Tours. I first travelled to Greece in 2004, visiting Athens, Delphi and Corinth. The experience was so impactful on my faith journey that I continued coming back to Greece, for over 20 years now. Today, I am honored to guide you through the Athenian Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. This downloadable audio tour is designed to highlight the ways in which the Apostle Paul interacted with the Athenians while he visited the city on his second missionary journey. It is my hope that this experience will not only increase your understanding but also deepen your faith in the Lord.